Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai could be a Cubs target, potential Shota Imanaga successor

Once the World Series concludes, everyone's attention will shift to the offseason - an interesting one, given the likely lockout that looms following the 2026 season, which could impact how teams operate in free agency.

The Chicago Cubs have work to do coming off their 92-win campaign that saw them fall one win shy of the NLCS. First, and foremost, they'll need to pick a lane when it comes to Kyle Tucker, who is expected to command $400+ million on the open market. It seems safe to assume that lane won't be reuniting with the four-time All-Star on a long-term pact.

Apart from that, Jed Hoyer's club has the same need it had back in July, when Chicago largely stood pat despite a glaring need at the top of the starting rotation: this team needs more top-end, swing-and-miss arms in the starting rotation. Revisiting trade talks from the summer is a possibility, with players like Joe Ryan, Mackenzie Gore, and Sandy Alcantara all potential candidates to be shopped. Still, another option lies overseas in Seibu Lions ace Tatsuya Imai, who is expected to be posted this winter.

Tatsuya Imai checks a lot of boxes for what the Cubs' rotation needs

In his start-of-offseason free agent preview, Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required), lists Imai as the #7 free agent in this winter's class and projects him for a seven-year, $154 million deal - which, if you're wondering, would be the richest deal the Cubs have given not only a starting pitcher, but any player not named Dansby Swanson, since the Jason Heyward signing a decade ago.

Imai, 27, possesses elite velocity, despite being under six feet tall and just over 150 pounds. His small stature hasn't led to injuries to this point in his career, and he can run his fastball into the upper 90s when needed. Pairing that with a slider, change-up, splitter, curveball and sinker, the right-hander could be the missing 'swing-and-miss' piece this Cubs team has lacked for years.

Last season in NPB action, he worked to a 1.92 ERA across 163 2/3 innings - and in nearly 1,110 innings in his professional career, he boasts a 3.07 ERA and 1.266 WHIP. It's also worth wondering if the Cubs part ways with Shota Imanaga - and re-invest those savings into a deal with Imai, who is five years younger than his countryman.

The looming Imanaga contract decision could play a major role in shaping the Cubs' approach to the offseason - although, again, the larger factor at play here is likely to be a work stoppage following the 2026 season. All that considered, Imai checks a lot of boxes - and would be the biggest free agent signing this team has made in years.